ABSTRACT
Children are mainly shaped and socialized by their parents. Children’s values and attitudes are a direct result of the quality of parent-child interactions. Effective socialization occurs in families when the child is made to feel safe and secure, and strongly experiences love, approval, validation, and closeness (Elkind, 2007a). The parameters of firm and consistent expectations, with clearly defined limits and structure, inculcate youngsters with the parent’s value system and connection to family. But, when parents discourage or punish closeness and intimacy, and discipline is inconsistent, random, or excessive, then the child’s sense of self and maturation are disrupted and delayed. Eventually, the confused and/or embittered youngster may gravitate toward subcultural ideals or seek approval on the streets. This likelihood is diminished when parents are nonconditional in their acceptance of their children and subscribe to society’s core norms and values (Wachtel, 2004).
